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- ⭐Bye Bye Applebee's, Storm Readiness, Epic Spa Returns, Bike Week Trauma
⭐Bye Bye Applebee's, Storm Readiness, Epic Spa Returns, Bike Week Trauma
Issue #858

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Table of Contents

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Today’s Forecast


Tropical Update
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Ormond Local Pulse
🍎 Applebee’s Locations Close in Ormond and Daytona Beach
Two familiar neighborhood dining spots have quietly served their last meals.
The Applebee’s location on Williamson Boulevard in Ormond Beach closed abruptly on Monday. Apparently employees were given no notice of the closing. It joins the Applebee’s on International Speedway Boulevard near Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach and both are now permanently closed. Signs posted on the doors directed customers to the company’s Port Orange location. The signs have since been removed from both buildings as well as their freestanding signs.
No additional information has been released regarding the closures.
For many local families, the restaurants were go-to spots for casual dinners, game-day gatherings and late-night bites. Their closure leaves noticeable vacancies along two major commercial corridors in Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach.
As of now, diners looking for their favorite Applebee’s menu items will need to head south to Port Orange. Whether new restaurants will move into the now-empty spaces remains to be seen.
Source: Ormond Local Pulse
🌪️ Storm Readiness on Display at Security First
Security First Insurance hosted its third annual Storm Response Showcase on Feb. 26, bringing together 46 vendors for a day of education and live demonstrations. The event emphasized how well storm preparation performs before, during and after severe weather — a critical issue for Florida homeowners.
Highlights included a burn demonstration conducted by the National Fire Sprinkler Association and Paul Davis Restoration, along with an educational review from NEFCO Fire Investigations. The showcase gave attendees a firsthand look at response strategies and recovery techniques used in real-world scenarios.
“Our vendor partners are the experts on the front lines of helping Florida homeowners get back on their feet,” said Magen Young, manager of Security First Insurance’s First Choice Repair Network. She noted the event provides an opportunity to observe best-in-class response efforts and learn from industry specialists.
With hurricane season always looming on the calendar, the annual showcase underscores the region’s continued focus on preparedness and recovery.
Source: Ormond Observer
💆 Epic Spa Returns Home to Ormond Beach
Epic Spa and Wellness has relocated from Daytona Beach back to Ormond Beach. Owners Gretchen and Donnie Klein recently opened the spa’s new home at 800 Sterthaus Drive, Suite A, offering a larger and newly renovated space.
Donnie Klein said the couple worked “day and night,” alongside friends and family, to completely transform the new location. The expanded space allows for additional medical and wellness independent contractors, broadening the spa’s offerings.
Gretchen Klein, a licensed aesthetician with more than 20 years of experience, celebrated the grand opening on Jan. 30. During the event, the Rice to Meet U food truck donated a portion of proceeds to Matthew’s Gift, a nonprofit supporting hospital complex care units, pediatric medical research and impacted families.
For services, updates and booking information, visit: epicspaandwellness.com
Source: Ormond Observer
🏍️ Bike Week Trauma Cases Remain High
As the engines quieted following the 85th anniversary of Bike Week, Halifax Health Medical Center released its annual trauma figures — and it was another busy year.
Hospital officials reported treating 79 Bike Week patients, one more than last year. Admissions linked specifically to the event totaled 51, down from 57 in 2025. However, motorcycle crash cases increased slightly, rising from 73 last year to 75 this year.
In total, the hospital handled 120 trauma-related admissions during Bike Week, up from 114 in 2025, and recorded more than 135 trauma activations.
Bike Week fatalities declined slightly from four last year to three this year. All three individuals who died this year were not wearing helmets. The average patient age was 45, and most patients were male.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported two fatal crashes during the event, including a March 5 collision on High Bridge Road in northeast Volusia County and a March 6 crash on State Road 11 near DeLand.
“Our trauma team showed outstanding skill and compassion,” said Lindsay Duffy, director of nursing for Halifax Health’s Emergency Department.
Even as attendance remains strong, safety continues to be a central conversation during one of Daytona Beach’s largest annual events.
Source: Daytona News-Journal

Recent Deaths
Irene Strasser, 90, of Ormond Beach, passed away on February 14, 2026.
Robert Joe Harrison, 72, of Ormond Beach, passed away on March 7, 2026.
Audrey Ann Sachs, 92, of Ormond Beach, passed away on March 4, 2026.
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J and J Gutters and Roofing

J & J Gutters & Roofing has been part of the Ormond Beach home-improvement landscape for three decades—and their story is exactly what many homeowners hope to find: a local, family-built company that still believes the best marketing is doing the job right.
The business was founded in 1995 by Joe Juhasz’s father, and Joe has been around it since he was a teenager. He began working in the company at about 15, learning the trade hands-on, and over the years he and his wife, Nikki, have stepped into the day-to-day leadership of the operation. That long runway matters. In an industry where trust can feel hard to come by, J & J’s staying power is one of the clearest signals that they’ve built their name the old-fashioned way—through consistency, craftsmanship, and follow-through.

Originally known for seamless gutters, the company grew steadily into related exterior systems: soffit, fascia, and screen rooms—core components that protect a home from Florida’s sun, storms, and heavy runoff. As demand expanded, so did their capabilities. After obtaining a roofing license, the business added roofing services across major roof types including shingle, tile, and metal. Today, as a licensed general contractor as well, they also handle comprehensive exterior work, supported by a general contracting background in the family—work that can range from siding projects to major remodels, and even full home construction.
What really stands out is how they approach reputation. Joe says most of their work comes from word-of-mouth referrals and repeat relationships with other contractors who bring them larger projects—an earned position that only happens when you consistently deliver. And when things aren’t perfect, their philosophy is simple: Make It Right. They noted that small fixes or simple add-ons are often handled without nickel-and-diming the customer, and if something needs attention, they stand behind their work with strong workmanship warranties—typically five years on most items and up to ten years on some.

Their most in-demand service right now? Standing seam metal roofing. With their own on-site panel machine, they can produce roof panels right at the job, and they’ve seen many homeowners switch from asphalt shingles to standing seam for longevity and leak resistance—often as a proactive move in response to insurance pressure on older shingle roofs.

Joe Juhasz - Owner
For homeowners, Joe’s guidance is practical: work with a licensed and insured contractor, and choose someone who looks at the whole “water management system”—roofing, soffit, fascia, and gutters—because protecting your home starts with where the water goes.
You can contact Joe for an estimate on your requirements at J & J Gutters & Roofing — (386) 673-1241 or jandjgutters.net
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Tuesday, March 10, 2026
🎭 Arts & Entertainment
Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show
Enjoy a fantastic evening of live Polynesian music, ethnic dances from the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, and Samoa, and a spectacular Samoan fire knife performance, all accompanied by a buffet dinner.
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Polynesian Fire (180 N Beach St), Daytona Beach
Live Music: Muddy Marshall @ Hard Rock
Grab a drink and settle in for an evening of live music on the oceanfront terrace featuring Muddy Marshall.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Sessions Terrace)
Ormond Memorial Art Museum Guild Meeting
Join the museum guild to discuss upcoming events, art programs, and community outreach in the Ormond Arts District.
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum (78 E Granada Blvd), Ormond Beach
💼 Career & Business
Embry-Riddle Industry / Career Expo: Career FAIR Day
ERAU is hosting its massive spring career fair. This is an incredible opportunity for students, alumni, and local professionals in the aviation, aerospace, and engineering fields to network with major industry employers.
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
AI Training for Business Leaders
Hosted by the Volusia County Chamber Alliance, this hands-on workshop is designed to help local business leaders integrate AI into their workflows. No technical experience is required!
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Foundation Risk Partners (780 W Granada Blvd), Ormond Beach
🧘 Wellness & Community
AumShanti Yoga: Let It Be Flow
Start your morning with a relaxing Vin/Yin yoga flow led by Lauren, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Shores Community Center Active Classes
The Daytona Beach Shores Community Center is packed with activities today to keep you moving:
Zumba Gold: 8:45 AM
SilverSneakers: 9:30 AM
Bridge (Card Game): 11:30 AM
Chair Yoga: 4:30 PM
Gentle Yoga: 6:00 PM
🏛️ Civic & Professional
NCCER Crane Certification Course
Day two (the final day) of the professional crane operator certification course hosted by NJ Crane Expert.
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 137 Automall Circle, Daytona Beach
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
🎨 Arts, Gardens & Culture
Veterans Creative Expressions: A special art workshop dedicated to veterans at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Spring Container Garden Workshop: Learn to build a beautiful spring container garden with Janett Taylor at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Plein Air Workshop in the Gardens: Join instructor Priscilla Humay at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens for a relaxing outdoor painting session. (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Landscape Perspective Drawing: Master perspective drawing with Sylvia Gortz at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
📚 Library & Community Education
eLab In-Person: Need help with your resume, job applications, or basic computer skills? Drop into the LaunchPad at the Ormond Beach Regional Library for free assistance. (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
AARP Chapter 1057, 10 am, at
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach, 57 N Halifax Dr, Ormond BeachAARP Chapters offer opportunities to connect with other AARP members. Join to meet new people, give back and have fun! Activities can include meals, outings, and community service as a major priority.
Stream Movies with the Library: Head to the Ormond Beach Regional Library to learn how to stream free on-demand movies using Kanopy with your Volusia County library card. (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
🤝 Support & Civic Meetings
Site Plan Review Committee: Local city planning meeting held at Ormond Beach City Hall in Room 103. (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Mommy Group (Postpartum Support): An in-person support group for new mothers hosted by AdventHealth at the South Ormond Neighborhood Center on Division Ave. (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Public board meeting held at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. (5:30 PM)
🧘 Wellness & Support
Midday Wednesday Meditation: Take a mid-week mental break with a peaceful, guided midday meditation at Unity of Daytona Beach, located right on Ridgewood Ave in Holly Hill. (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
Recovery Support Meeting (AA): A regularly scheduled, confidential support space for recovery, also held at Unity of Daytona Beach. (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
🌊 Nature & Scenic Escapes
The No-Drive Beaches & Parks: While there are no major scheduled civic events in the quiet stretch of Ormond-by-the-Sea today, this is the absolute best time to enjoy the coastline. With the rally crowds gone, grab a quiet seafood lunch along A1A, hunt for sea glass, or head to North Peninsula State Park to enjoy the pristine, crowd-free beaches at your own pace.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
🥦 Fresh & Local
A beloved Thursday morning tradition! Stroll through the City Hall Plaza to shop for fresh regional produce, baked goods, local honey, plants, and handcrafted items. Located right next to the library and across from the beautiful Halifax River, it is a great way to start your day.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza (22 S. Beach St)
🎸 Live Entertainment
TOBY - The Experience (Toby Keith Tribute)
Get ready for a wild ride through the heart and soul of country music! Hollywood Yates takes the stage to deliver a high-energy tribute to the bad boy of country music, Toby Keith, performing anthems like "Should've Been a Cowboy" and "I Love This Bar."
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)
🏛️ Civic & Community
City of Ormond Beach Public Meetings
Local government business continues at City Hall. Residents are welcome to attend the following scheduled board meetings:
Evaluation Meeting (Employee Benefits RFP): 2:00 PM (Training Room)
Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board: 6:00 PM (Room 103)
🏓 Active & Leisure
Pickleball at Pictona
While there are no major civic festivals scheduled in Holly Hill today, it is the perfect Thursday to hit the courts at Pictona, one of the premier pickleball facilities in the United States. With 49 courts, it is a bustling hub of daily local activity. You can drop in for a few games and then grab lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Kitchen.
Time: Open daily (typically 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
📚 Education & Youth
After-School Tutoring / Study Time
The Holly Hill Public Library acts as a quiet afternoon hub for local students and homeschool groups utilizing the space for study and tutoring.
Time: Late afternoon (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Location: Holly Hill Library (8423 Old State Rd)
🌊 Scenic & Relaxed
A Quiet Coastal Thursday
Ormond-by-the-Sea remains entirely residential and peaceful, making it a true escape from the bustling Spring Break crowds starting to gather further south in Daytona. Spend your Thursday hunting for sea glass on the pristine, no-drive sands of North Peninsula State Park, or take a scenic drive up A1A to grab a relaxed, ocean-view meal at a local staple like Lagerheads Bar & Grill.
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